Southend United's Bilel Mohsni: I have no regrets (From Echo)

Southend United's Bilel Mohsni: I have no regrets

1:19pm Tuesday 19th February 2013 in Sport By Chris Phillips

No regrets - Southend United's Bilel Mohsni

BILEL Mohsni is adamant he has returned to Southend United with a clear conscience.

The Frenchman came back to Roots Hall after a nine-month absence for Saturday’s game against Northampton Town.

But Mohsni, who was sent off against the Cobblers, stands by the stance he made during the summer.

“I have no regrets about what I’ve done because if the chairman had agreed a fee with West Ham I would be playing in the Premier League now,” said Mohsni.

“A few weeks ago I was sitting at home watching the TV with my brother and someone came on the screen who I had trained with while I was there and I thought ‘that could have been me’.

“My family could have watched my games in France and been proud, I would’ve been playing against teams like Manchester United and Manchester City. Anyone would want to be given that chance.

“I know fans might not understand because Southend is their team and I understand they see things differently.

“But it was a big chance for me and it was frustrating not to go.

“At the same time, the supporters don’t really know what happened behind the scenes but there’s no point going over it all again now.

“Coming back to Southend is what’s best for me and I’m fired up to do well for them between now and the end of the season.”

However, Mohsni only ended up back with Blues after trials with a number of other clubs and a spell on loan with Ipswich Town.

The 25-year-old made five substitute appearances during three months with the Tractor Boys.

And that only added to his frustration.

“When Paul Jewell was there he was giving me more and more minutes to help improve my fitness but Mick McCarthy came in and didn’t play me,” said Mohsni.

“I was very upset. I went home to see my family in France and then when other things started to happen I almost gave up on football.”

Moshni insists he was wanted by Stevenage, Tranmere and Blackpool before he accepted Paul Sturrock’s request to return to Roots Hall.

And he feels luckless in his pursuit of securing a switch to a club playing at a higher level.

“I have been unlucky really I think,” said the Frenchman. “

I went to Nottingham Forest and the manager got sacked just before I got there.

"Blackpool liked me too but didn’t have a manager.

"Tranmere were keen but I didn’t like their facilities and Stevenage wanted to sign me too.

“But I decided I want to play for Southend rather than Stevenage and wanted to come back here once the manager spoke to me.

“I know a lot has happened but I want to look forward, not back and once I start playing again I want to make sure I help the team get promotion.

“Although I don’t think I will be here for next season.”